New rules to improve social security

Social Security Regulatory Authority (SSRA) is setting up
new rules and regulations aimed at improving benefits for their members, the
Authority Director General, Ms Irene Isaka has revealed.

Ms Isaka further said that the rules and regulations would
also guide the authority on how to help or deal with members claiming
withdrawal of benefits when quitting their jobs.

"The regulations will be discussed by stakeholders
including workers unions and employers to get their views on how to improve our
members' benefits. We will also discuss and get views on withdrawal
benefits," she said.

The withdrawal benefits were cancelled after the amendment
and approval of laws guiding social securities. The new laws were approved by
the National Assembly on April 13, 2012.

According to the laws, members will not be given or withdraw
their benefits when they quit their jobs and will remain members of their
respective funds until the retirement age of 55 or 60 years.

The DG said that
the move comes after workers from the Tanzania Mine and Construction Workers
Union (TAMICO) demanded withdrawal of benefits, a move that is against the
laws.

"Since the amended laws have been approved and signed,
benefits withdrawal cannot be provided," she noted. She said workers
quitting their jobs or leaving their companies will be required to continue
being members of respective social security firms.

On the other hand, Ms Isaka said that the authority is also
looking on keeping membership of workers who opt to work outside the country
such as East African countries.

Meanwhile, Parastatal Pensions Fund (PPF) will
start giving houses on loans to its members. According to the director general,
Mr William Erio, the aim is to improve their benefits.

He said the plan to be implemented soon follows the new laws
aimed at improving members' benefits. Apart from that, discussions are underway
with the government to start issuing houses on loans to public servants
too," he added.